I have registered for the Mt Kinabalu Climbathon, scheduled for 23-24 Oct 2010. What prompted me to register? Maybe I am getting bored or maybe I need something to stir me up to start hitting the road again. Life after Everest is the same old thing, minus the discipline to train every day. I need a push, I know that’s a shame.
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| Both Joyce and Ivy recently completed the ultra run in Spain |
Last year, I took part in the climbathon mainly because someone had pulled out from the event, and needed someone to replace so that the pre-booked accommodation will not go to waste. Ivy was there for the same reason. In fact, it was Ivy who asked me to tag along. I was excited, but did not have high hopes about my performance as I was suffering from a back injury then. I didn’t do well, considering that I was turned back at the summit plateau (too slow for the cut-off time), but I was very happy with my results. Had I not pushed on, I might as well be turned back earlier. As a mountaineer, I have learn well to accept that you reap what you sow. No efforts = No results, cannot expect for miracles to happen.
The “World’s Toughest Mountain Race” … that’s how they market the event. The distance is about 21km, not too long I supposed. The challenge is not in the distance, but the altitude and the enduring stairs that go up and up. When I attempted it last year, I reckon my advantage was that I had been to above 5000m for a long period of time 6 months prior, and one month prior to the event, I had also spent one week rock climbing at Mt Kinabalu.
Someone ever asked me would I climb Mt Everest again? I said, “Why not! but on a different route, perhaps”. Because, repeating a feat is tougher than when you did it the first time.
The same for Mt Kinabalu Climbathon. I fear that I might have to turn back earlier than my first attempt.
Time to head up the slopes!
Joanne's climb 